Live Design Online: On the latest episode of the Artistic Finance podcast, a star-studded panel of theatrical lighting designers demystifies the tricky subject of pay negotiation. From setting rates to using union resources, the discussion offers a wealth of insights for both seasoned professionals and those just starting their careers.
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This article has a diverse representation of designers who have already been in the field for years and their experiences negotiating for fair pay. I was very interested in the through line that most designers believe if people understand and are kind the process of negotiating contracts can be destigmatized. I found this interesting because of course being nice and understanding when negotiating with people will make the process smoother for everyone involved but I never thought about destigmatizing the process as a whole. I also had never heard of USA 829 and how they help and are there for all designers not just scenic designers when negotiating contracts. It was also comforting to know that they provide assistance specifically to new and upcoming designers even if they are not currently part of the union. In helping incoming designers it shows their dedication to growing the field and making sure the more ignorant designers aren't taken for granted.
I was immediately intrigued when I saw this article, I've done a fair amount of research into the field of lighting design but pay is not something that is usually talked about. I've wondered what the numbers look like and how it differs from theater to theater.
Of course, being respectful always helps when it comes to negotiations and the conversations they talked about here. Additionally, you have to understand that there is only so much a person can do, and a lot of times it is out of their control. But it is important to stand up for yourself and make sure you're getting fairly compensated for the work you are doing. After all, lighting design is a hard and intense job that involves a lot of long hours for days and weeks on end. A lot of the time if you approach it in a fair way, the company may have room to compensate you at a higher rate. And if not, they might even respect you more just for asking. I do wish this article provided more helpful and specific tips beyond just "be respectful", but it is good to know that negotiating pay is possible in this field.
I really appreciate articles like this that break down the (relatively) complicated world of pay negotiations in an industry where as a freelancer you are constantly setting your own rate. I had never heard of the podcast Artistic Finance, but it’s one which I think I will be adding to my rotation as it’s a very important topic and I enjoy the way it’s presented with this variety of guests and topics all within our industry. Finances as a freelancer is something that’s really challenging to get a grip on in the beginning and something that experience often ends up guiding us in and its resources like this that really help with staying on track. I’ve slowly been collecting a list of resources like these as I become more financially-savvy within the freelance industry. Knowledge sharing like this is incredibly important, and I’m glad that this podcast has the platform it needs to continue being shared.
It is so nice to see that it was a panel of designers each sharing their views all at once, I have gotten so used to only seeing one way to do things in polarizing articles, so the collaboration is nice to see. Speaking of, I definitely see the benefits to collaborate with peers to make sure that everyone is getting paid what they deserve. I also appreciate the advice to stay calm, as it is common for people to get heightened emotions in these situations, because generally there are very tight budgets so it can get stressful trying to make the numbers balance. That being said, having a breakdown of perspective hours and pay per hour depending on the effort is such a good idea because it not only works out pay but also the time spent working, if it is an hourly type job, or even if not hourly, laying out expectations is a good way to see if the job is worth it.
Personally, I am constantly wondering if I will be able to make ends meet in the future as an LD. Especially hearing that Broadway designer say that once you get to Broadway and off-Broadway, you can negotiate for a 'liveable' wage made me really sad. But I guess it is just the reality of theater. That's definitely why I am interested in becoming a touring LD for a few years at least so I can build up some savings. Or, doing corporate gigs, that's totally fine with me. However, theater is my passion so when I do enter that industry, I will take all of their advice and not be afraid to advocate for myself. I am passionate about theater, but also about lots of other things, so I can't afford to put all my eggs in one basket. I would like to have a balance between getting to do theater and also having enough $$ to support myself and my interests. I am passionate about theater but also having a roof over my head!
This advice was super super interesting because it seemed like everyone had echoing sentiments. I wonder if this is industry specific for lighting designers or if it would apply to other designers. Something important that I saw was highlighted was the understanding that everyone is working within a tight budget and that you had to be very understanding of it. Listening is a big big key when it comes to negotiating pay because it makes the person on the other side feel like they’re heard and it becomes more of a partnership when negotiating. I feel like it’s incredibly important to have unions and these mentors in the industry who are willing to help and support newer and fresher designers or people who are just getting started in the industry. Something else I was wondering about was what exactly the protections of unions were and how someone would be able to apply to become a union member.
I found the latest Artistic Finance podcast episode on pay negotiation incredibly insightful. The panel of renowned lighting designers provided a balanced mix of practical strategies and personal experiences, which is helpful for understanding how to navigate financial discussions in a competitive field. I was particularly struck by Jeanette Oi-Suk Yew's advice to approach negotiations as conversations, aiming to keep communication open. It’s a reminder that negotiation is not just about being assertive, but also about fostering collaboration between designers and producers.The emphasis on union resources and transparency aligns with principles I’ve encountered in labor studies, where collective bargaining and sharing information help protect workers’ rights.
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